Automatic telephone system



July 13 1926.

E. JACOBSEN AUTOMATIC TELEPHONE SYSTEM 2 SheetsShe[t 1 Original Filed Nov. 4, 1918 July 13, 1926. 1,592,683

E. JACQBSEN AUTOMATIC TELEPHONE SYSTEM Patented July 13, 1926.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE. it

Lenses EMIL J'ACOBSEN, OF PORT WASHING-TON, NEW

YORK, AESIGIQI'OR, BY MESNE ASSIGN- MENTS, TO AUTOMATIC ELECTRIC IITG, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOI$, A CORPORATION OF DELAWARE.

AUTOMATIC TELEPHONE SYSTEM.

Application filed November 4, 1918, Serial No. 261,003 Renewed July 9.3, 1924.

My invention relates in general to automatic telephone systems and more specifically to an improved method of operating augon'iatic switches in such a system.

Among the objects of my invention are, to in ease the capacity of the so called automatic switches, and to thereby cut down the initial cost or the installation of a system and to provide novel and highly eiiicient mechanisms and circuits for controlling the same.

In order to accomplish the above results I have provided switches of nearly the stand ard type except that each switch has a plurality of sets of wipers mounted on the same shaft and a switching relay which is ar- -anged to switch the trunk circuit leading to the switch from one to the other or" said sets of wipers. Each switch has as many banks of 100 contacts as there are sets of wipers, and the sets of wipers move simultaneously to the corresponding sets of contacts in their respective banks. I also provide an impulse sender which delivers twenty instead of the usual ten impulses.

This sender is of course just like the usual well known types of sender except that it is larger and is capable of sending double the number of impulses. In order to select a line in either or any bank of a switch, I have arranged the circuits so. that the first impulse to the line relay, causes an operation of the vertical magnet, which steps all the wipers to their first level, and the second impulse, operates the switching relay to switch from the normally connected to the other set of wipers. This alternate operation of the magnet and switching relay continues until the desired level is reached; Thus it the digit 2 is called the switch will step up one step and switch to the second set of wipers so that a trunk in the second level or the upper bank is selected. If 3 is called then the switch will first take a vertical step, then'switch to the second set and then take another vertical step and the switching relay falls back so that a trunk in; i be selected in the second level of the lower bank. In this manner although 20 impulses may be delivered to the switch, still the switch only takes the usual ten steps, rotary and vertical and each alternate impulse is used to switch over.

I will now describe the operation of the circuits shown in the drawings which illustrate one embodiment of my invention;

Fig. 1 shows a calling substation A hav ing a line switch C which has access to a number oi selectors such as D.

Fig. 2 shows a connector H, which is one of a plurality of similar connectors accessible to selector I), Fig. 1 and which is operated to extend a connection to a called line in any of tour groups of 100 lines.

ll hen the subscriber at A removes his recei ver to initiate a call, the line switch C is automatically operated in the usual manto select an idle trunk line leading to a ctor such as D. As soon as the relay 2 to the selector, a circuit is closed for line relay 3 of selector D in series with the calling line circuit. Relay 3 closes a circuit for siow relayv i to supply'ground to the holding circuit of switch C and to prepare a circuit tor the vertical magnet 5 and series slow relay 6 at springs 7 and 8. Also when relay 3 energizes it opens the contact of springs 9 and 10 and closes springs 9 and 11.

Now when the calling device at substation A is operated for the first digit of the called number the relay 3 operates in accordance therewith to operate the switch in the following manner. As relay 3 falls back, a circuit is closed from ground through springs 12, springs 9 and 10, springs 7 and 8, relay 6, springs 18 and .14, lower winding of relay 16, and magnet 5 to battery. Magnet 5 operates to step the wipers 17, 18 and 19 and 20, 21 and 22 to the first level in their respective banks. Relay 6 remains energized and closes a circuit for relay 23 after the olt normal springsi l close to prepare a circuit for the rotary magnet 25. Relay 16, upon energizing over its lower winding closes only the springs 28, as the lower winding is not strong enough to operate the rest of its springs. hen relay 3 again energizes therefore grounl is con nected through springs 12, springs 9 and 11, springs 28, springs 27, and upper winding of relay 16 to battery. Relay 16 attracts its armature fully at this time, and closes a new locking circuit for itself through springs 26 and 27 to ground at relay at and switches the circuit from relay 0i su itch C operates to out the line through 16 and magnet 5 through springs 13 and 15 to the upper winding of switching relay 29. The reason for this partial operation of relay 16 is to prevent any false operation of relay 29 before relay 3 has energized again, that is, springs 13 and 15 are not closed until springs 9.and 10 are disengaged. The next impulse from the line relay passes through springs 9 and 10, springs 7 and 8, relay 6, springs 13 and 15, and upper winding of relay 29. This upper winding of relay 29 is also weak and 0perates to' close only the springs 30 which prepare a locking and'stronger circuit for the lower winding of the relay. As soon as relay 3 againenergizes this locking circuit is completed from ground through springs 31, springs 32 and 33,springs-30, and lower winding of-relay 29 to battery. Ptelay 29 now operatesto attract its arinatures fully, opening the circuit of the relay 16 at springs 27,-and switching'thel-ine and private conduct-orsfrom'the normal wipers to the line and private wipers 20, 21 and'22. Relay 16 falls back -when its circuit is opened at springs 27-and again restores the circuit of magnet 5-and lower winding of relay 16 to the control ofthe line relay. It will be seen therefore that the first impulse operates the vertical magnet 5 and relay 16, while the secondimpulse operates relay 29 and restoresrelay 16 so that the third impulse again operates the yertical magnet and relay 16. Therefore, assuming the digit called to be 3, thus magnet 5 and relay 16 are first operated, then relay 29 is operated andrelay 16 is unlocked, restores and relay 16 and magnet 5 are then againoperated so that the'switch has raised its wipers to the second level and stands with its line and privateconductors connected to the-normal wipers '17, 18 and 19. For the purpose of this illustration, however, we will assume that the digit 4 was called which operated the vertical magnet twice and the last impulse of which operated relay 29 to switch the conductors to the second-set of wipers 20, 21 and 22. Now after the impulses for this digit cease and relay 3 comes to rest energized, when relay 6 falls back a circuit is closed for the rotary magnet 25 through springs 34, springs 35 and 36, and springs 37. Magnet 25 operates to step'the wipers onto the first set of contacts in the elected level and also opens the springs 38 in the holding circuit of relay 23. Relay23-falls back and opens the springs 37 to deener 'ize the magnet Now if the first trunk line is busy and ground is present on the private contact, then current will flow over wiper 22, through springs 39 and 40, springs 41 and 42, springs 38, olf normal springs 24, and relay 23 to battery. 'Relay 23 again energizes to close the circuit of -magnet 25. This alternate operation of relay 23 and cuited energizes, overa circuit from "ground through springs 34, relay 43, springs 38, springs 24, and relay 23 to battery. Relay 43, energizes alone over this circuit, being high wound, and operates to switch the line circuit through to the'wipers, disconnects the line relay 3 therefrom, opens the springs 12, and connects ground from the "switch ahead through private-wiper 22, springs 39 and 40, springs 41 and 44, through springs 45 and 33 to the holding winding of relay 29, :and'through relay 43 and relay '23 to battery. JRelays 43 and 29 aretherefore held energized and the connection extended through to the connector H (Fig. 2). Line relay 47 of connector H energizes in series with the called line. The relay 47 is similar to relay 3 in its control of the magnets and switching relays, except that two switching relays are provided in the connector, one controlled during the vertical movement and the other 'during'the rotary m-oven'ient. Relay 47 closes a circuit for relay 48,v which grounds the holding circuit for the switches C and Band prepares a circuit for the vertical magnet. As soon as the next digit or series of impulses are sent in, relay 47 re sponds'thereto to close a circuit through springs 49 and 50, springs 51 and 52,springs 53, slow-series relay 54,-springs 57 and 58, lower winding of relay 55, and vertical magnet 56'to battery. Magnet 56 operates to raise the-wipers to their'first' level of contacts, relay 54holds energized during this series of-impulses, and relay 55 being similar to relays 16 and 29 energizes only part way to close springs 59. It will be noticed that the connector :has four sets of wipers instead of two and two switching relays, -and 61. If neither'relay is energized,'the line circuit passes to wipers 62, 63 and 64, if relay 61 alone remains energized, the circuit passes to wipers 65, 66 and 67, if relay 60 alone is energized the circuit :passes to wipers 68, 69 and70 and if both relays are lockedenergizedthe circuit passes to the fourth set of wipers 71, 72 and 73. After the line relay 47 comes to rest energized after the first impulse of this digit ground is connected through springs 49 and 74, throughspriu s 59, springs 75, and upper winding of re ay '55 to battery. Relay-55 now operates fully to open its lower winding circuit at springs 57 and 5S, and prepares a new circuit for the lower winding of relay 60 through springs 57 and 76. Of courseas-so-on as the switch takes its first vertical step the on normal springs operate'to close one point in the circuit of the release magnet and to open the springs 53 and close the springs 77. As soon as relay 47 falls back for the next digit a circuit is closed from ground through springs 49 and 50, springs 51 and 52, springs 77, springs 78 and 79, relay 54, springs 57 and 76, resistance 80, and lower winding of relay 60 to battery. Relay 60 energizes only part way to close the contact of springs 81 which prepare a locking circuit for its own upper winding to the front contact of line relay 47. As soon as relay 47 pulls up again therefore, and springs 82 close, relay 60 operates fully through its strong upper winding and switches the line circuit and private conductor to the wipers 68, 69' and 70. Also relay 60 opens the springs 7 5 in the locking circuit of relay which deenergizes to again prepare the circuit for the magnet and open the circuit of the lower winding of relay 60. The next impulse again opcrates the vertical magnet and relay 55, and opens the locking circuit of relay 60. Thus the first, third, fifth etc. impulses operate the vertical magnet, while the second, fourth and sixth etc. operate the switching relay so that it the digit is an odd numher the relay 60 will not be held energized, but if an even number is called then relay 60 will be held energized and will have selected either the first or second set of wipers, depending upon whether or not relay 61. is left energized during the rotary motion or final digit. After the impulses for this digit cease and relay 54 falls back circuit is prepared for the rotary magnet 84. It will be assumed that the first digit was 4 and relay 60 now remains locked energized from battery through its lower winding through springs 87, springs 88 and 89, to ground, shorting resistance and giving full power to relay 60. The subscriber now operates his calling device for the third and final digit of the called number thereby operating relay 47 with the following result: Each time relay 47 falls back a circuit is closed from ground through springs 49 and 50, springs 51 and "2, springs 77, springs 78 and 90,'springs 91, relay 86, springs 92 springs 93 and 94, lower winding of relay 85, and rotary magnet 84- to battery. Magnet 84 operates to move the sets of wipers onto the first set of contacts in the fourth levels. Relay upon energizing, the lower winding of said relay 85 being of high resistance, closes only the springs 95, which prepares an energizing circuit for the stronger upper winding of relay 85 which is completed at springs and 74 when line relay 47 again energizes at which time relay 85 attracts its armatures fully to close a further locking circuit at springs 97 for its upper winding, opens the circuit of its own lower winding at springs 93 and 94, and closes at one point a circuit for switching relay 61 at springs 99 and 96.

5 Now when the line relay again falls back for the next impulse 01" this series a circuit is completed for relay 61 from ground lower weak winding of relay 61. Relay ()1 I operates at this time to close only the springs 98 to prepare a circuit at one point in the circuit of its upper winding so that when relay 47 again energizes to close springs 82 in this circuit relay 61 will attract its armatures fully to switch the line and private conductors to the line and pri' Vate wipers 71, 72 and 73, and also to open the springs 99 in the locking circuit of the relay 85 which relay now falls back, opens the initial energizing circuit of relay 61 and again prepares the ci "cuit of the rotary magnet 84 at springs 98 and 94 so that when'line relay 47 operates for the next impulse the wipers are stepped to the next set of contacts in a manner previously described and relay 61 is again deenergized when springs 82 open. Relay 85 again prepares a circuit for relay 61 so that the fourth and last impulse of this series energizes relay 61 in the manner before described to again switch the line and private conductors to their alternate sets of line and private wipers. Therefore, it will be seen that these four impulses of the final series leave the switch with its wipers on the second set of contacts in the fourth level and with relays 60 and 61 both locked energized so that the line circuit extends through the front contacts of said relays to the wipers 71, 72 and 73 and a connection is therefore extended to that line which terminates in the second .set of contacts in the fourth levelof the upper of the four banks of contacts. Relay 86 has of course held energized during the alternate operation of magnet 84 and relay 61 and there-- fore holds the private wiper 72 in connec tion with the winding of the busy relay 100 for an instant so that if the called line is busy and a ground is present thereon relay 100 will lock energized to connect a busy tone to the calling subscribers line. However, if the called line is idle relay 100 will not energize, andupon relay 86 falling back,

a circuit is closed for wiper cut on relay 101 from battery on the called line private normal through the wiper 7 2, front contacts of relays 61 and 60, springs 102 and 103, upper winding of relay 101, springs 104 and 105, and springs of relay 48 to ground. Relay 101 energizes to open the circuit of the magnets at springs 92, closes a locking circuit for relay 61 through springs 106 and 107. conne ts ground from springs of relay 48 through springs 108 through its own lower winding and to the private wiper 72' to guard the called line from seizure. Relay 101 also connects the called line through contacts 109. and 110 to the ringing machine R on one side and to a winding of thering cut oil relay 111 on theother side. The'called subscriberwill now be signalled and upon answering relay 111 pulls up. to disconnect the ringing machine from the called line and lock itself to ground through springs 112. Relay 111 also connects the called line to the windings of back bridge relay 113, which is energized over the called line to supply talking battery thereto and to .reverse'the connections of the line relay 4-7 to the calling line for metering or other purposes. Conversation may now proceed over the heavy conductors shown and over the line wipers 71 and 73 of connector H to the called .line.

It will be understood therefore that I have provided a very eflicient and novel type of large capacity switches in which the method of extending connections to large groupsot subscribers is entirely new. For instance it the number 111 is called the connection will be extended over the wipers 17 and 18 of the selector D to a line in the first level of the upper bank to an idle one of plurality of connectors similar to H which may have access to 400 lines either in some other branch exchange or in another subdivision of the same exchange and the connector seized will then be operated to extend the connection to the line terminating in the first set of contacts in the first level ofthe bank which is accessible to wipers-62, (33 and 6%, as in this call none of the switching relays will be energized. That is, i1 any evennumher of impulses are sent to the selector D the switching relay 29 will be energized and the call will extend over the alternate set of wipers 20, 21 and 22 while it an odd number of impulses are sent the relay 29 will not be energized. In the same manner it the connector H is operated by two odd series of impulses then neither relay 60 nor 61 will be operatedand connection will be extended over the normal set of wipers 62, 63 and 6 1 while if one odd and one even set are delivered to H then relay 60 will not be energized but relay 61 will be, if the even set of impulses are sent last, and connection will be extended over the wipers 65, '66 and 67. If one even and then one odd number of impulses are delivered then relay 60 will energize alone and connection will be extended over wipers 68, 69 and 70, while if two odd numbers 01 impulses are delivered both relays will remain energized and the connection will extend over the wipers 71, 72 and 73 as described. I

Having fully described and ascertained features and aspects of my invention, what I consider to be new and desire to have protected by Letters Patent will be pointed out in the appended claims.

\Vhat I claim as my invention is:

1. In a telephone system an automatic switch having a plurality of sets of wipers, lines accessible to each set of wipers, means for operating said switch in accordance with a plurality of the digits o'la called number to extend a. connection over one of said sets of wipers (0 one of the lines accessible thereto, the set of wipers over which the connection is extended depending upon the number of impulses in each digit.

In a telephone system, an automatic switch, a plurality of sets of wipers, a plurality of lines accessible to each set of wipers, a magnet for moving said sets of wipers into engagement with any of the lines accessible thereto, a line leading to said switch, a relay for switching. said line from one set of wipers to the other, means for sending impulses of current over said line to operate said switch, and means for delivering each alternate impulse to said switching relay.

8. In a telephone system, an automatic switch, a plurality of sets of wipers for said switch, a plurality of groups of trunk lines accessible to each set of wipers, means for transmitting a series of impulsesto said switch to operate the same to position each set of wipers in front of the first trunk line of a group, and means dependent upon whether an odd or even number of impulses are transmitted for determining which set of wipers is to be used for extending a connection.

4-. In a telephone system, an automatic switch, a plurality of sets of wipers for the switch, an operating magnet for operating all 01 said wipers, and a switching relay for switching the connection from one to the other of said sets of wipers, means for transmitting a series of impulses to said switch, and means for delivering the impulses alternately to the operating magnet and to the switching relay.

5. In a telephone system, an automatic switch, a plurality of sets of wipers for the switch, an operating magnet for operating all of said wipers, a switching relay for switching the connection from one to the other of said sets of wipers, means for transmitting a series of impulses to said switch, and means for delivering the impulses alternately to the operating magnet and to the switching relay, the set of wipers over which a connection is extended depending upon whether the last impulse was delivered to the switching relay or to the operating magnet.

6. In a telephone system, an automatic switch having a plurality of sets of wipers and a line relay, means for sending a plurality of series of impulses to said line relay to control the switch, a pair of operating magnets and a pair of switching relays, means for causing the line relay to first operate one magnet and one relay alternately and to then operate the other magnet and relay alternately, and means dependent upon the number of impulses in each series for causing said switching relays to determine the set of wipers to be used in extending a connection from the switch.

7. In a telephone system, an automatic switch, a line leading thereto, a plurality of sets of wipers for the switch, a line relay for the switch for controlling said switch to step all of the wipers first to a group and then to a line in that group in response to two series of impulses, a pair of switching relays, one of said relays operated by part of the impulses of the first series and the other by part of the impulses of-the second series, said relays operating in conjunction to switch the line to a predetermined one of said sets of wipers.

8. In a telephone system, an automatic switch, a line leading thereto, a plurality of sets of wipers for the switch, a line relay for the switch for controlling said switch to step all of the wipers first to a group and then to a line in that group in response to two series of impulses, a pair of switching relays, one of said relays operated by every alternate one of the impulses of the first series and the other by every alternate one of the impulses of the second series, said relays operating in conjunction to switch the line to a predeterminedone of said sets of wipers.

9. In a telephone system, an automatic switch operated in response to certain ofthe digits of a called number to extend a connecftion from a line, a line relay for the switch operated by the impulses, an operating magnet, a switching relay, and a plurality of sets of wipers for the switch, means for causing the line relay tofirst operate the magnet to step the wipers one step and to then oper-' ate the relay to switch the line to a set of wipers, and to then again operate the magnet to step the wipers a second step and switch the line to another set of wipers.

10. In a telephone system, an automatic switch having a plurality of banks-of contacts accessible thereto, a set of wipers having access at the same time to all the contacts in one bank and another set having access to the contacts in another bank, means for sending a series of impulses to said switch to operate the same to move both sets of wipers simultaneously to particular sets of contacts in their associated banks, and means responsive to said series of impulses and controlled over circuits excluding said wipers for determining which set of wipers is to be used.

11. In a telephone system, an automatic switch having a plurality of sets of wipers each having access to a different group of trunk lines, means for sending a series oi? impulses to said switch to IIJCWQ said wi only a part of said impulses being used to step the wipers, the remainder being used to select a set of wipers for use.

12. In a telephone system, an automatic switch having trunk lines accessible thereto divided into main and subgroups, means for operating said switch by a single series 01%? directive impulses to select a sub-group of lines and a relay controlled while the switch is being thus operated independent of the mechanical operation or" the switch for selecting a desired main group of lines.

13. In a telephone system an automatic switch having lines accessible thereto divided into main and sub-groups, means or op erating said switch by two series of impulses to select a desired subgroup ot lines and a desired line in the group, and wi e selecting means controlled while the switch is being thus operated in response to the second series for determining in which main group the selected sui group is to be con nected with.

14. In a telephone system an automatic switch having trunk lines accessible thcreto divided into groups, sets or" wipers for the switch, each set having access to one group, means for sending a series of operating impulses to the switch to move the wipers simultaneously into position adjacent to the first trunk lines of their associated groups, and means for selecting a set of said wipers, responsive to a portion of said operating impulses. 1

15. In a large capacity automatic tele phone system, a subscribers impulse trans mitter capable of transmitting twenty im pulses, an automatic group selecting and trunk hunting switch having double sets of wipers and ten groups of lines accessible to each wiper set, and mechanism in said switch responsive to a single series of impulses for advancing said wiper sets simultaneously into initial hunting position before groups of contacts and for selectinga particular set of wipers for use. p

16. In a large capacity automatic telephone system, a sibscribers impulse transmitter capable of transmitting twenty impulses, an automatic switch havingdouble sets of wipers, and ten groups of lines accessible to each wiper set, and mechanismin said switch responsive to a single series 01 impulses for selecting whole. groups of contacts two at a time by advancing said wiper sets simultaneously and for selecting one of any two selected groups by connecting up one or the other of said wiper sets depend ing on the number of impulses in the se "ies.

17. In an automatic telephone system, an automatic switch having two sets of wipers and a plurality of groups of contacts accessible to each wiper set, a sender for transmitting a series of it ilses to said switch comprising twice 11y impulses as there are groups of contacts accessible to each wiper set, stepping mechanism responsive only to the odd impulses ofsaid series for advancing both sets of wipers to groups of contacts, and mechanism responsive to the even impulses of said series to select a desired set of wipers.

18. In an automatic telephone system, an automatic switch having two sets of wipers and a plurality of groups of contacts accessible to each wiper set, a sender for transmitting a series of impulses to said switch comprising twice as many impulses as there are groups of contacts accessible to each wiper set, mechanism for advancing both sets of wipers to groups of contacts simultaneously, wiper set selecting mechanism, and relays for causing said mechanisms to respond alternately to said series of impulses.

19. In an automatic telephone system, an .automatic switch having two sets of wipers, one normally connected and the other normally disconnected, groups of contacts accessible to each set of wipers, means for transmitting series of impulses to said switch, means responsive to either of two different series of impulses for advancing both sets of wipers to the same groups of contacts in their respective banks, and means responsive to only one of said series of impulses for disconnecting the normally connected setof wipersand for connecting the normally disconnected set of: wipers.

20. In a telephone system, an automatic switch having two sets of wipers and a plurality of groups of contacts accessible to each set, means for transmitting a series of impulses to said switch comprising twice as many impulses as there are groups of contacts accessible to. each wiper set, group selecting mechanism in said switch responsive only to half of the impulses of said series, and wiper set selecting mechanism in said switch responsive to the other half.

21. In a telephone system, an automatic switch having two sets of wipers and a plu rality of groups of contacts accessible to each set, a repeating line relay in said switch, means for transmitting aseries of impulses to said line relay, group selecting mechanism and-wiper set selecting mechae nism in said'switch, and separating means for causing said line relay to repeat part of the impulses-of said series to said group selecting mechanism and the rest of the impulses to said wiper set selecting mechanism.

22. In a telephone system, an automatic switch having two sets of wipers and magnets for operating them, a wiper switching relay operated or not operated depending on which wiper set is to be used, groups of contacts accessible to each wiper set, a sender for transmitting a series of impulses to' said switch,- an= impulse-repeating relay in said switch, and means control-led by said relay, for relaying certain of a series of impulses to one ofsaid operating magnets and'for relaying the other ofsaid impulses to said wiper switching relay.

23; In a telephone systenr, an automatic switch having trunk lines accessible thereto divided into main and sub-groups, means for operating saidswitclr-by a'single-series of directive impulses toselect corresponding sub-groups of lines in the diflerentmain groups and' a relay controlled while the switch is being thus operated for" selecting a desired main group.

24:. In a telephone system, an automatic switch having a plurality of wiper sets, a magnet for positioning said" wiper' sets, a line relay for repeating impulses from a calling line to said magnet, and, meansthereafter responsive toan impulse repeated by the line relay, whilethe wipersremain inert, to select a particular wiper set.

25. In a telephone system, an" automatic switch having normally connected and disconnected wiper sets, respectively, a relay for switching from one wiper set 'to the other, groupso't' contacts accessible to each of said wiper sets, impulse operated meclranisn'i for moving both of said wiper sets into selective relation with contact groups served by them,

aird'means for thereafter operating said relay over a circuit-excluding said wipers.

Signed by me at Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, this 30th day of October, 1918.

EMIL JACOBSEN. 

